Painting Kitchen Walls

Get tips on painting kitchen walls.

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Paint is an easy and inexpensive way to update a kitchen. If you're never painted a kitchen before, it can seem like an overwhelming task, especially when it comes to choosing the colors and finish for painting kitchen walls.

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Yellow, red, blue, white, green and gray are all popular paint colors for kitchen walls. Yellow is a cheerful shade that can create a welcoming space while red can feel intense; both are believed to stimulate the appetite. Blue, white, green and gray are more low-key, calming shades.

When it comes to paint, there are two types to choose from: oil paint and latex paint. Oil paint is very resistant to water, which is why it works well in kitchens. It also tends to be very shiny, so it's mainly used on cabinets, woodwork and doors. Latex paint is the more popular option for kitchen walls and it comes in a few different finishes.

Selecting the right paint finish is essential when painting a high-traffic space. Paints come in a number of finishes, from flat to high-gloss. The general rule of thumb is the more matte the finish, the harder it is to clean. If a finish is glossy, it tends to be more "scrubbable."

Since kitchens are such a busy part of a home and often need extra cleaning, a satin or semi-gloss finish is the best options. Satin and eggshell finishes are commonly believed to be the same, but in fact, satin is a bit shinier. Satin finishes are easy to clean and good at standing up to mildew, stains and dirt.

A semi-gloss finish is even glossier than a satin one, but it reflects a lot of light without being too over the top. Another tough finish that's easy to scrub, it's a smart choice for the kitchen and especially your backsplash. Glossier finishes tend to highlight imperfections in the wall, so this isn't the best option if your walls have a few dents and dings.

It's also important to purchase high-quality paint when painting your kitchen walls. By choosing a well-known paint, you'll ensure the one you've chosen won't peel or chip after a little wear and tear. If you're not sure which paint brands are best, ask for help when you visit your hardware store, and a sales associate can give you detailed information.

When it's time to paint, make sure to prime your walls to prepare them for the new paint you've selected. And make sure you're using the same type of paint that's already on your kitchen walls. If you try to paint latex paint on top of oil-based paints, the paint will peel and chip. It's best to use the same paint that's already on your walls.